Christmas gift 3 of 3

I know you've been waiting with baited breath for my final Christmas post. I received this present this year. I had no idea what I would receive from my grandmother. Most Christmases, she picks a clothing item or makes us a ceramic figurine. I confess this is what I was expecting this year. I was in no great hurry to pick it up from my mother's house, so waited until just after Christmas.

What was in the package was such a lovely surprise that it still makes me happy thinking about it. A whole month has passed and the glow of pleasure has not faded. My grandmother has always told stories about her life growing up. In the early 80's she began writing these stories down and sending them to us occasionally. Of course, as a youngster, these were novelties, but were not the treasures they are today.

As an adult, the fascination with my history has grown. As has the appreciation for those who have come before me. My life is tough. Granted, there are many things today that make life much easier than it was; however, there are also more things to steal time. I often think about my grandmother who raised children without the benefit of disposable diapers and formula in a can. I don't think I could have done it.

So, much to my surprise, this year my grandmother gave me the gift of her stories and her life. She and my aunt conspired together to create the most wonderful book of stories I have ever read. It's a personal blog written the old school way, typed and printed with pictures and insights into my grandmother's mind and heart.

I called her and my aunt and I'm sure I gushed. But I thanked them profusely for such a touching, lovely treasure. I will keep it always and take it out to show my Grace and any other kids that happen to bless our home. They will know how special my grandmother was and how much she cared about us to share her life in such a special way.

Christmas Gift 2 of 3

My second favorite Christmas gift came this year. On December 13th, Department of Family Services proved up in court. "Proved up" was new terminology for me; in a nutshell it means that the Child Protective Services agent did all she could to contact our foster daughter's parents and extended family. All attempts to reach them ultimately failed.

In court, CPS presented its paperwork and the judge agreed that all parental and family rights should be terminated. We are now waiting out the 30 day appeal period. So, if you've been reading this blog and keeping up with our adoption story, you'll be happy to know we have 10 days left before we can find an attorney and adopt our baby.

So, my second favorite gift is Grace. Perfect, beautiful, gift from God Grace. The gift of knowing she will be mine soon is priceless. Nothing anyone could ever buy me will compare.

Best Christmas Gift 1 of 3

The very best of the best, hmm... I have had several very memorable Christmas presents, but three particularly stand out to me. Interestingly, two of the three could not be purchased in a store. So maybe it was all about the bling and the commercialism when I was younger (I can remember really loving Atari and the Barbie Dreamhouse in particular), but these days it seems to be all about the heart.

Christmas gift 1: A keyboard

I have been a music lover all of my life. I love to sing though I have no real voice for it. I love to dance and I love all kinds of music. I played the violin for about 7 years growing up and remember that I hated to practice but oh Lord, I loved to play in a concert. Nothing much compares to that rush of adrenaline you get sitting on the stage waiting for the conductor to tap his baton.

I loved to play, but I was not disciplined enough to keep it up. Once the formal education was over, so was the violin. I pick it up on occasion, but really just to goof and to see if I can still play Handel's Messiah.

So, Christmas 2000 comes. It was my second year of marriage to my husband, who is my polar opposite - ask anyone. I caught myself wondering why we had married a few times in those first two years. I was no suzy homemaker and low and behold his love language was "Acts of Service" ; it's a wonder we made it though. :)

One thing that I have always found endearing about him is his absolute excitement during the Christmas holidays. 2000 was no exception. He was like a kid, so excited about the gift he had bought me. In fact, he could not wait until Christmas to give it to me. He nagged and bugged me until I agreed to open the gift.

You could have pushed me over with a feather - my shock was that huge. My husband, who I believed did not know me at all ended up knowing me better than I knew myself. He had purchased me a nice Yamaha keyboard. I did not even know I wanted a piano, but much to my surprise I jumped up and down like a 10 year-old who just received Playstation 3. I cried and I could not stop thanking him.

Once again, I am in awe of God. He gave me the perfect gift in 2000. A husband who knows me down to the tiny hopes and dreams in the still small space of my soul. Rest assured I never doubt why I married him these days. He is the perfect complement to me in so many ways. What we lack in ourselves is beautifully complemented by the other. So, thank you honey for the keyboard and thank you God for my husband.